To Whom Will We Listen?

O. T. #1617  "To Whom Will WE Listen?"
Jan. 31, 2020
Isaiah 36-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Opinions are a dime a dozen. Listening to the wrong advice can get us into trouble. We need discernment as to whom we will listen and follow. Here are some answers.

We learned previously how it can be a blessing when the enemies attack us, whenever it drives us to God. We can be assured that God's power is stronger than everything.
Assyria was the enemy of Judah. The king of Assyria, Sennacherib, sent Rabshakeh means cup bearer), to deliver a message to the 3 messengers from King Hezekiah.
It was a challenge in the form of some questions. (We would do well to answer them for our self.) I have tried to modernize them:

• What are you trusting in that makes you so confident? 
• Do you think that mere words can substitute for skill and strength?
• Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me?
• Isn't your trust in the LORD pointless?
• How will your (little faith) result in victory against the smallest temptation?
• Isn't this trial sent by God to destroy you?
• Are you going to let a sermon or study direct you?
• Do you think it can't get worse for you and your family?
• What makes you think the LORD can rescue you from this problem?

Even with all the questions from the enemy, King Hezekiah told the people to not give an answer.
We don't have to get into an argument with unbelievers or the devil. Our answer is found in verse 7, which was meant to jeer the people-We are trusting in the LORD our God!

1 Peter 5:6-7 says it well, Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety (cares) upon Him because He cares for you.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)

In what or whom are we trusting?


LET IT GROW

Isn't it clear that Hezekiah had been assuring his people of God's ability to deliver them?
In verse 15, a cupbearer told the people to not let Hezekiah:

• deceive them (verse 14);
• persuade you (verse 15);
• speak and they listen to him (verse 16);
• nor mislead them (verse 18).

Christians should listen to instructions from pastors, teachers of the Word of God, and fellow believers.
Individually and personally we have to decide in our own heart whether we will trust our God in the midst of our storm, trail, problem, sorrow, or not.

LET IT GO
When in doubt, ask the Lord for wisdom.
Hear what godly people have to say.
Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.

Overcoming Our Enemy

O. T. #1617  "Overcoming Our Enemy"
Jan. 30, 2020
Isaiah 36

LET IT GLOW

II. Historic Interlude
Here is a historical interlude placed in the middle of Isaiah's prophecies. King Hezekiah was on the throne in Judah and Sennacherib was king in Assyria. (There is a controversy as to when these events took place.) These two men and countries are enemies.
Here is some background: The king of Assyria captured 46 towns and over 200,000 people in Judah. Now his field commander, Rabshakeh, and his army are threatening to put Jerusalem under siege outside the city walls. Hezekiah saw this coming and he had the water supply brought into the city through the Siloam tunnel (2 Kings20:20). The Assyrians would not have water, then.

Even though we know how it all turns out in the end, stick with me, friend. We can apply this to our life. Remember, God is in control. His purpose for all of this is to bring the people of Judah to repentance and worship only God.

LET IT GROW

King Hezekiah sent three messengers to deal with Rabshakeh, who spoke for Assyria's king. Since these men are enemies, we can learn from the tactics of Assyria (using NLT):

1. The enemy challenges our faith. Keep in mind, he doesn't have the full picture. What are you trusting in that makes you so confident? (verse 4)
2. The enemy threatens to get us, but he's not stronger than God. With your tiny army, how can you think of challenging even the weakest contingent of my master's troops, even with the help of Egypt's chariots and charioteers? (verse 9)
3. The enemy tests our loyalty to God and challenges our knowledge of God's Word. We are tempted to compromise (Gal. 1:10). The LORD himself told us, "Attack this land and destroy it!" (verse 10)
4. The enemy threatens us with fear. They will be so hungry and thirsty that they will eat their own dung and drink their own urine. (verse 12)  2Timothy 1:7; Ps. 56:3
5. The enemy seeks to divide us. Don't let Hezekiah deceive you. He will never be able to rescue you.  (verse 14) 1 Cor. 12:26; Eph. 2-3
6. The enemy offers alternatives to spare us. Make peace with me-open the gates and come out. I will arrange to take you another land like this one-a land of grain and new wine, bread and vineyards. (verses 16-17)
7. The enemy challenges God's power to deliver us. What makes you think that the LORD can rescue Jerusalem from me? (verse 20) Ps. 103:19

Our enemy, Satan, is diligently working in the lives of believers to destroy our faith and our witness. May our faith be strengthened as we recognize his workings. Let us encourage each other.

LET IT GO
Keep my faith strong in Jesus.
God is stronger than the evil one.
Stay in the Word of God.
Let God replace my fear with His love, power, and a sound mind.
Recognize temptations to sin.
God has all power to deliver today.

The Right Way

O. T. #1616  "The Right Way"
Jan. 29, 2020
Isaiah 35-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Folks, are you on the right way, the right road, that leads to heaven? There are a lot of ways, a lot of paths, a lot of roads out there for us to travel on in our life. Some are empty and ritual; some are made of stone; some look good but are the wrong way; some add to the only way to heaven. Friends, there is only One way to heaven, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. There is only one way to live, and that is surrendered to the will of God, loving and worshiping the Savior and Messiah-Jesus.

We have been learning about the blessings that Judah would experience and those believers in the millennial kingdom of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Gladness, joy, rejoicing, and singing will be the reaction of those who see the glory of the LORD, the excellency and majesty of our God. What an experience that will be. So everyone is admonished to be strong and fear not, for God will come in vengeance, revenge, and recompence, reward.

There are other descriptions of the blessings mentioned in this chapter:

• The blind, deaf, lame, and dumb shall all be restored. Those with physical defects will be made whole. (verse 5-6) Did you notice that those were the miracles of healing which Jesus did while on earth.
• The land will be changed from desert to a well-watered paradise. (verse 7)
• There will be a distinct highway, called The Way of Holiness, or The King's Highway, that will lead to the New Jerusalem. It is reserved for the saved, redeemed, and the ransomed of the Tribulation  Period who shall enter into the millennial kingdom. The believers will go there to worship their Living Savior and King. (verse 8)
• Unending joy will be there and the complete absence of sorrow and sighing. (verse 10)

Doesn't it sound like heaven on earth? And it will last a 1,000 years. That should inspire us to share the love and salvation of Jesus with others!

LET IT GROW

Matthew Henry's Commentary gives us some insight into The Way of Holiness or The King's Highway (as my rewording):

It is  the way both of holy worship and a holy conversation. Holiness is a conformity to the divine nature and will. We are to walk in The Way of Jesus.

1. The Way of Holiness is an appointed way, directed by divine authority. It includes God's commandments for the way of life.
2. It is an appropriated way, as God brings His chosen to Himself; it is a distinguished way, different from the way of the world; it is for those whom God set apart for Himself, the redeemed.
3. It is a straight way; directions from the Word and Spirit of God shows the way to live; a narrow way for only a few that follows it; the Spirit of Truth leads them into all truth while on this way.
4. It is a safe way; Satan, the roaring lion, will not be able to touch those on the way; the way of holiness will provide security and peace of mind.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

God's judgment of the Tribulation period shall cut off the unrighteous. Who and what are not going to be there? Those unclean and unsaved; no fools who heard about Jesus but rejected Him as Savior; no wild animals to prey upon men will walk on the King's Highway to go worship Jesus.

Now, I know the Bible gives a lot of instructions and commands for us to obey. Being a sinner, you and I don't always follow them, do we. That is when the forgiven, grace, and mercy of God is what we need. He picks us up, dusts us off, and puts us on the right way, the right road for our life. so if you know someone who as strayed from The Way, give them the good news.

LET IT GO

Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, that was, is, and is to come. With all creation I will sing and adore You. Praise to the KING of kings. You are holy.

Jesus, You are THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE.
Lead me, Jesus, down this country road of faith that I travel on today.

There is Strength for the Tired and Weak

O. T. #1615  "There is Strength for the Tired and Weak Servant"
Jan. 28, 2020
Isaiah 35
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. (verse 3)

LET IT GLOW

Has your heart been broken? Do you feel downtrodden? Are you weary in serving? Does your pain continue? There is hope today, dear one. Continue on.

Shall we take time to review our study of Isaiah's prophecies, since it is a long book of 66 chapters? In this first section, we have covered a lot of things that will happen to Judah and others in their time, as well as during the future of the millennial reign of Christ.
Chapters 1-6: God shows Israel their sin, as well as Isaiah. He confesses and is forgiven, then
                       volunteers his life in service to God.
Chapters 7-12: King Ahaz did not believe God, lacking faith.
Chapters 13-23: God's power, purpose, authority, and destiny of nations.
Chapters 24-27: God's rule over the earth, devastation coming because man corrupted it, then His
                           coming kingdom.
Chapters 28-33: Woe to Judah and Jerusalem for not listening to God, for their land will be
                           destroyed as God deals treacherously with them.
Chapters 34-35: God is coming with vengeance, but there will be a Highway of Holiness for the
                           redeemed.
[Resource: Kay Arthur's study of Isaiah]


LET IT GROW

Aren't we ready for some good news for Judah's future and our future? This short chapter ends the prophetic condemnations. Whew! May the Lord bless you for your faithfulness to hang in there with me through it all.

What are some blessing mentioned here during the kingdom age, the millennial kingdom of the coming Messiah, Christ Jesus? All spiritual evil and physical catastrophe will be reversed, as well as the land and people being blessed.

• The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. (verse 1)
• There will be rejoicing and singing.
• All will see the glory of the LORD and the excellency (magnificence; splendor; majesty) of our God. (verse 2)
• Weak hands and feeble knees will be strengthened. The persecuted children of God will be encouraged. (verse 3)
• To the fearful heart, tell them to be strong and fear not. (verse 4a)
• Say to the downtroddened, your God will come with vengeneance (revenge) and recompence (reward). (verse 4b)
• Our God will save us. (verse 4c)

God's acts of judgment are actually acts of mercy.
Hebrews 12:12 tells us to strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees.
As we live in a sinful world, let us find encouragement. God hears our SOS. He sent out an angel army to rescue Judah from the mighty Assyrian army, killing 185,000. And dear one, He can do the same for us. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Though the gates of hell rise against you, Satan can't prevail against Christ's church (see Matthew 16:18). Therefore, look to the Lord. If you focus on His will for you, it will bring you much joy. This, in turn, will strengthen you to keep fighting the good fight, because the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GO

Let the Lord Jesus heal my broken heart and strengthen my hands for His service.
Strengthen my weak knees to get up and walk the path of faith and do Your will.

How We Treat Others

O. T. #1614  " How We Treat Others"
Jan. 27, 2020
Isaiah 34
Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for My mouth it hath commanded, and His Spirit it hath gathered them. (verse 16)

LET IT GLOW

Thank you friend for continuing with me in the study of this very long book of the Bible. We are told to read the Book of the LORD, which apparently are the inspired books of prophecies, including Isaiah. These are divinely inspired Scriptures of prophecy and it will certainly come to pass as God has predicted it. It applies not only to the times after Isaiah's death, but also the future time mentioned in Revelation. God is warning people to repent and worship only Him.

Although Isaiah predicts destruction of nations, we can be encouraged, as I believe, that believers who are His remnant will be raptured out during the Tribulation. How gracious our God is to warn us. Doesn't that make us to want others to escape such a horrible time on earth?

LET IT GROW

We know that Judah eventually fell captive to the Babylonian Empire and spent 70 years there. That is enough time for a couple of generations Jews to be born in a foreign land. We know a remnant of God's people continued to multiply during that time, also.

Is it important how we treat people, especially God's Christians? Yes, we have a bad example here.

The nation of Edom was an ungodly nation which God would judge and destroy. And to beat all, they were relatives of Judah. Edomites were descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. Why was Edom's destruction coming? You will recall that whenever Israel left as freed slaves from Egypt, they traveled to the Promised Land. On that journey, Israel came to the land of the Edomites and was not allowed to pass through. The Israelites and their animals promised they would not even eat from the vineyards nor drink their water of Edom, just travel on the King's Highway. Yet, the king of Edom would not allow it. So Israel had to detour around the land. This is found in Numbers 20.

The Prophet Obadiah tells 8 things Edom was not to do whenever Judah fell captive They were
not to gloat, rejoice over, nor boast over his brother's misfortune, destruction, distress, and calamity, nor to enter the gates of Judah and loot their brother's wealth nor imprison the survivors from Judah. The Edomites did not head the warning.
All of that lead up to the foretelling of the destruction of Edom by Isaiah in this chapter. God did not forget how Edom treated their brothers.

The cruelest blow dealt to the Israelites by the Edomites was when the latter assisted the Babylonians in destroying Jerusalem in 587 B.C. (The Broadman Bible Commentary)

Verse 8 says, For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion.

At the end of the Tribulation Period, the Battle of Armageddon will take place as the wrath and vengeance of God on the ungodly and unbelievers. Edom will be destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah. Today, the land exists as Jordan. The land will unpopulated. Only scavenger-like animals will inhabit the land.

Wow! Let's remain faithful and stand for God's ways and His Word, dear one. He is our hope, our strength, and our way.

Jesus told us to treat our enemies with love, forgiving them, turning the other cheek, praying for them, and be reconciled. Need I say more? Is there anyone who comes to your mind when you read that?

LET IT GO
May I apply what I learn from Your Word today.
Help me to love others as myself and forgive them as You forgive me.
I trust You to take revenge for me.

Who is King of Your Life?

O. T. #1614  "Who is King of Your Life?"
Jan. 24, 2020
Isaiah 33-Part 3
For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us.
(verse 22)

LET IT GLOW

What things of beauty have you see lately? Here, we have had a light snow that covers the ground, twice. Now that is a thing of beauty which the Lord has made. Along with the snow, I have seen bright red cardinals and two bald headed eagles (actually, their head is white). But there is coming something even more beautiful than we can imagine. Read on to find out what it is.

During the time of the coming millennial kingdom, Christ will rule over all, with perfect peace and righteousness. All people will behold the King and Savior Jesus Christ in all His beauty.

Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
 (verse 17)

No one loves us like Jesus. He left heaven to die on a cross in our place. To me, that makes Him beautiful.  One day we will get to bow before our King and behold His beauty.

Are you ready?

LET IT GROW

God's kingdom agenda, both for the future reign of Jesus Christ and for our lives today, is read in our key verse. He will exercise authority in all areas. He alone has absolute power. God operates His kingdom by His Word. The Bible is the divine blueprint by which all of life is to be lived. It is the benchmark by which all decisions should be made. Christians who are committed to living out God's kingdom agenda have a great future. One day this invisible kingdom will become universally visible when Jesus returns to earth, establishes His reign (Rev. 20:1-6).
[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

How does verse describe Jesus during this time, and now?
He is:

• our judge (pronounce sentence; rule; vindicate or punish); 
• our lawgiver (to enact; prescribe; decree);
• our King (royal);
• and He will save [to defend; deliver; rescue; bring (having) salvation] us.

Our hope is in Jesus, that He  will judge in our favor, since He has provided the blood sacrifice required for our sins. If we have asked Jesus to forgive our sins and to cleanse us of our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins. Is He your Lord and Savior?
During the millennial  reign, every thought within us is brought into obedience. His Word is law to us, and we will obey it. As our King, we will pay homage, tribute, and allegiance to Jesus. We will glorify His name as our Savior. What a wonderful time that will be!

Who is king of your life? Friend, Jesus wants to be King of our life now. Is He ruling over us or are we ruler of our life? Are we a faithful follower of Jesus Christ?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

LET IT GO

How beautiful You are, King Jesus!
Your will,
Your way,
today,
I pray.

Doing What is Right

O. T. #1613  "Doing What is Right"
Jan. 23, 2020
Isaiah 33-Part 2
Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? (verse 14b)
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil. (verse 15)

LET IT GLOW

Assyria, the brutal enemy of Judah, was at the gates of Jerusalem. They demanded King Hezekiah to pay tribute to Assyria (See 2 Kings 18.) and he did. He used the gold and silver in the Temple. When all looked hopeless and Judah could not save herself, nor could she depend on her alliance, it was time for God to move in.

In verse 10, God is speaking, Now will I rise, now will I be exalted, now will I lift up my self.

What word is repeated three times? It is the word now, which means at this time.
It was time for God to:

• rise, get up, make to stand up, strengthen, succeed;
• be exalted, to be high, exalt self;
• lift up myself.

As I said before, the angel of God slew 185,000 Assyrians. God was Judah's Deliverer and He can be ours, too.
Jesus stood up when deacon Stephen was stoned to death, for he was speaking truth.

It could refer to a time in the distant future when the Antichrist attacks Israel during the Tribulation Period. While in a period of inactivity, God will stand up to act in history. Jesus will come as King of His millennial kingdom and bind up Satan for that time.

LET IT GROW

The sinners in Jerusalem shook with fear. Terror seized the godless. Who can live with this devouring fire?
It is the person of God Himself who is the devouring fire. So awesome is the judgment of God that only the righteous shall be spared (Matthew 24:22). (Falwell)

What will the character of the remnant be like?

• He walks righteously. He renders all their due, to God His due, as well as to men theirs.
• He speaks uprightly-what is true and right with an honest intention.
• He is honest and fair, refusing to profit by fraud.
• He stays far away from bribes. He despises gain that is not come by honestly. 
• He turns a deaf ear to those who are plotting cruelty or murder, war, or revenge.
• He shuts his eyes to all enticement to do wrong, sin.

Wouldn't you like to have a friend like the one described above?
This person does not think one thing and speak another, nor look one way and then another.
Are we careful as to what our eyes watch and our ears listen to? Do we keep a standard for our children and grandchildren that honors God?

LET IT GO
I exalt Thee, King Jesus.
May my intentions be honest and true.
May I live right with You.
Remind me to guard my eyes and ears from temptations of sin.